No fuss for No Fuss

Former New Zealand galloper No Fuss made an auspicious debut on the Ballarat synthetic on Sunday, July 14.

After settling a clear last, the Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained No Fuss came with a sweeping run to join the leaders turning for home, then despite racing greenly, drew clear for a strong win in the Brandt Maiden (1400m).

The three-year-old had one run in New Zealand before being purchased by OTI Racing and transferred to the McEvoys at Ballarat.

Well backed from $2 to start the $1.85 favourite, No Fuss, ridden by John Allen, drew clear to win by 2-1/4 lengths from Whiskey Creed ($18) with Moment Of Truth ($4.20), 3-3/4 lengths away third.

Allen allowed the gelding to settle into a rhythm early which saw him a clear last in the field of seven, but he showed good acceleration to circle the field with 600 metres to travel and strike the front.

The three-year-old wanted to duck in up the home straight but still drew away for an impressive win.

Trainer Calvin McEvoy said it had been good to have a winner for the OTI Syndications of Terry Henderson with No Fuss.

“We are really happy with the win,” McEvoy said.

“Terry has been doing this (syndication) for a long time. He is fantastic at identifying these New Zealand and these international horses.

“I thought No Fuss did a fantastic job, so it is nice to have OTI in the stable, it has been a couple of years since we have had a runner for them.

“Today was a good way to kick it back off.

“He is a big, raw horse and that is what we loved about him. At his run in New Zealand he was held up and all over the shop.

“He has really developed since he has arrived with us, but he is still a young, immature three-year-old with a big frame.

“We will just take No Fuss through his grades. I think he will reach his best over 2000 metres and beyond, but he was pretty stylish today.”

Winning jockey John Allen believes No Fuss has a good future.

“He gave me a very sweet ride,” Allen said.

“He jumped well but there was a little bit of pressure early and he was getting crowded, so I elected to take him back and get him relaxed.

“He loomed up on the bend as if he was going to win by 10 (lengths) but he just got a bit lost in front and was having a look.

“He is obviously bred to get a bit further and I have no doubt he will improve a lot.

“Once I put a bit of pressure on him in the straight he did pick up but was just having a good look.

“He is a nice style of horse so hopefully he can go on.”